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$page->title = 'Preparing for Christmas Eve';
$page->date = '2012-12-19';
$page->cover = 'http://nrhc-pages.northrockhill.com/misc/by-Jay.jpg';
$page->thumb = 'http://nrhc-pages.northrockhill.com/misc/by-Jay-thumb.jpg';

?>

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<p>As we prepare I want us all to do a few things between now and Monday…</p>
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<p>It’s hard to believe we’re inside of a week until Christmas! Our family is looking forward to celebrating with
you at one of our three identical Christmas Eve services. I do hope you are making plans to attend and I hope
you are planning to invite and bring friends and family with you.</p>

<p>Recent studies have shown that people are most open to an invitation to church and most likely to attend during
the Christmas season, specifically Christmas Eve. As we prepare for our Christmas celebration together, I want
us all to do a few things between now and Monday:</p>

<ol>
<li><strong>Pray.</strong> Pray by name for those you are inviting. Pray for the Spirit to move in power in all of our services.
Pray for many to receive Jesus as Savior. Pray for our volunteers and staff who will be  leading and serving.</li>

<li><strong>Invite.</strong> Be bold in inviting friends and family to attend with you. Use the cards we have given you. Point
people to our website so they can get a glimpse of who we are. Share your own story of  becoming a Christian and
following Jesus. The bottom line - make sure you invite! People are open to it.</li>

<li><strong>Leverage Sunday.</strong> Our leadership team made the decision to not have regular services on Sunday so we could be
fully ready for three Christmas Eve services on Monday. Leverage Sunday  morning to invite friends to your home
for lunch or brunch or arrange to meet somewhere. Sharing a meal together will be a great opportunity to invite.
Even if they don’t attend, you have deepened  your relationship and served them well.</li>

<li><strong>Be a bringer.</strong> Invite friends and family to attend the same service you are attending. Arrange to ride
together or caravan. It can be a scary thing to go to a church for the first time. It sure does help  when a
guest is walking in the door with someone they know.</li>
</ol>

<p>Plan to arrive early for the service you are attending and come expecting God to move in power! I can’t wait to
celebrate with you the arrival of our Savior King, Jesus!</p>

<p>Until All Hear,<br>
Jay</p>

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